Cognitive Assessment · PDD and AISH
PDD and AISH Cognitive Assessments in Calgary
Cognitive and adaptive functioning assessments for individuals seeking documentation to support Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) eligibility or, where appropriate, other disability support applications such as AISH or the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). Before booking, our team reviews the program’s documentation requirements to determine whether this assessment is suitable.
At a glance
Who it is for
Teens and adults, ages 17 and older
Time with you
About 4 hours over 3 visits
You receive
A written report and a feedback meeting
Where
In person at our Calgary office
Is this assessment for you?
Families, caregivers and support workers usually reach out when:
- You or your family member is applying for PDD
- A PDD, AISH or ADAP worker has suggested a current cognitive and adaptive functioning assessment
- A previous assessment is out of date
- Your teen is turning 18 and moving to adult services
A parent, caregiver or support worker is always welcome to come along.
What your report can help with
Your application
Cognitive and adaptive functioning findings to support your application. Each program makes its own eligibility decision.
Families and caregivers
Recommendations for day-to-day support.
Understanding
A clear picture of strengths as well as needs.
An assessment can be an important first step, but support doesn’t have to end with the report. Depending on your findings and recommendations, our team can help you explore counselling, therapeutic groups, or other appropriate supports at Your Counselling. Any additional services are optional and arranged separately.
How it works
Our psychologists use evidence-informed assessment methods, standardized measures, and recognized diagnostic criteria, where appropriate. Every assessment follows the same clear path, so you always know what comes next.
- Send a requestFill out a short form about you or your child and what you are hoping to learn. Sending it does not book anything or commit you.About 5 minutes, online
- We review and replyOur intake team reviews your request with your psychologist, confirms the right assessment and fee, and contacts you to book your first appointment.By phone or email
- IntakeWe gather history and any previous reports. A parent, caregiver or support worker is welcome.About 1 hour
- TestingStandardized cognitive testing at a comfortable pace, with breaks. Someone who knows the person well also completes an adaptive functioning questionnaire.About 2 hours, plus a questionnaire
- Your written reportA comprehensive written report outlining assessment findings, diagnostic conclusions where supported, and individualized recommendations. Written in plain language. A Registered Psychologist reviews and signs it.Usually about 3 to 4 weeks after your last testing session
- Feedback meetingWe walk through your results, answer your questions and talk about next steps.About 1 hour, in person or online
Your fee, everything included
PDD and AISH Cognitive Assessment
$1,550
One flat fee, everything included.
Everything included
- Intake, including a review of the program’s documentation requirements
- Cognitive testing
- Adaptive functioning questionnaire
- Scoring and interpretation
- Comprehensive written report: findings, diagnostic conclusions where supported, and individualized recommendations
- Feedback meeting
Common questions
What does PDD look at?
PDD looks at intellectual functioning and everyday adaptive skills, and whether difficulties began before age 18. Program staff decide eligibility, and your report gives them the information they need.
What about AISH and ADAP?
Alberta’s disability income support now includes AISH and the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), with one combined application. Those programs decide eligibility mainly from their own Disability Assistance Medical Report, completed by a health professional. A psychological assessment can add supporting detail about cognitive and adaptive functioning, but it does not replace the program’s forms and does not by itself establish eligibility. Tell us which program you are applying to, and we will check whether this assessment fits before you book.
Can a support worker attend?
Yes. A parent, caregiver or support worker is welcome at the intake and feedback meeting.
What ages do you assess?
Teens from age 17 and adults of any age.
Does the program pay for the assessment?
Ask your PDD, AISH or ADAP worker whether any funding is available before you book. We provide detailed receipts.
Can a doctor, therapist or school refer me?
Yes. Professionals can refer through our referral form, or you can reach out yourself. With your consent, we can share your report and recommendations with the person who referred you, so everyone supporting you is working from the same picture.
Is it covered by insurance?
Some extended health insurance plans provide coverage for psychological assessments. Coverage varies depending on the insurer, the type of assessment, and the provider’s registration. We recommend confirming your assessment coverage and any benefit limits before booking. We provide detailed receipts for your claim.
Who completes your assessment
Assessments are completed by psychologists registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Testing happens in person at our Calgary office, at a comfortable pace with breaks whenever you need them.
Aiyman Vassanji, M.C.P.
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Completes ADHD, psychoeducational, gifted, diagnostic mental health and cognitive assessments for children, teens and adults, from your intake appointment through testing, your report and your feedback meeting.
Assessment areas: attention and executive functioning, learning and cognitive abilities, giftedness, mood and anxiety, and intellectual and adaptive functioning.
Susan J. Morison, M.A.
Registered Psychologist · Clinical supervisor
A Registered Psychologist specializing in clinical and forensic psychology, with a long career in generalized and specialized psychological assessment.
Supervises our assessment service, and reviews and signs every assessment report.
About provisional registration. A Registered Provisional Psychologist has completed graduate training in psychology and is completing a period of supervised practice, as the College of Alberta Psychologists requires before full registration. Assessments completed by a Registered Provisional Psychologist are supervised by a Registered Psychologist, who reviews and signs the report.
Paying for your assessment
One flat fee covers your intake, testing, scoring, written report and feedback meeting.
Extended health insurance
Some extended health insurance plans provide coverage for psychological assessments. Coverage varies depending on the insurer, the type of assessment, and the provider’s registration. We recommend confirming your assessment coverage and any benefit limits before booking.
Alberta Student Aid
Eligible post-secondary students may qualify for reimbursement of psychological assessment costs through Alberta Student Aid’s disability-related funding programs. Reimbursement amounts and eligibility depend on the applicable grant, assessment findings, and program requirements. We encourage students to confirm their eligibility before booking. Alberta Student Aid: assessment reimbursement
Medical expense tax credit
Psychological assessment fees may qualify as eligible medical expenses for income tax purposes. Eligibility depends on Canada Revenue Agency requirements and your individual tax circumstances.
If cost is a barrier
Let us know in your request, and we will talk through your options with you.
Other assessments we offer
Not sure which assessment fits? See all assessments, or choose “Not sure yet” on the request form.
Psychoeducational Assessment
A full picture of how you or your child learns, for school supports, post-secondary accommodations and Student Aid.
Diagnostic Mental Health Assessment
A structured look at anxiety, depression, trauma or mood, often requested by a family doctor.
ADHD Assessment for Adults
For adults who have always wondered whether attention, focus or restlessness has a name.
Request an assessment
Tell us about you or your child and what you are hoping to learn. Our intake team reviews every request with your psychologist and will be in touch about next steps. Sending a request does not commit you to anything.
Questions first? Call 403-668-7561 or email hello@yourcounselling.ca. Physicians, therapists and schools can refer through our professional referral form.